You want to start a podcast but it seems so overwhelming. There are many podcasting myths that convince you that podcasting takes a lot of time and you need to have your entire plan prepared before you sit down to record your first episode.
Well, I’m here to tell you that podcasting can be easier than you think. Keep reading to find out what podcasting myths just need to be debunked.
Let’s dive in!
4 podcasting myths debunked:
1) you need to have at least 2-5 episodes ready before you launch your podcast
There are so many podcasting myths that are just excuses. While you’re waiting to record all those episodes and organize everything perfectly before launching – you’re more likely just postponing the actual start of your podcast.
When you start podcasting with a mindset that everything needs to be organized and prepared in advance, it will be easy to always wait for things to be perfect.
Having a few episodes prepared before you launch your podcast is completely optional.
I know many successful podcasts who just had a trailer or not even that before launching.
I recorded my first episode and launched it. Simple as that. No unnecessary bells and whistles about it.
No, it wasn’t perfect but it did the job.
In order for your audience to follow you and listen to your podcast, you need to put out valuable content consistently. Not just focus on the first few episodes.
However, if you prefer having a few episodes prepared in advance, that’s great, too. Just know that it’s optional and check in with yourself if you’re just procrastinating waiting for things to be perfect or if you’re actually working on it before its launch.
Related:
Being Ready Is a Decision, Not a Feeling
Journaling Session To Stop Procrastinating, Overthinking, And Finally Take Action
2) you need to decide on a niche and stick with it
Another one of podcasting myths that’s completely optional to follow.
There’s a podcast I follow that talks about personal growth, business advice, Human Design, productivity, astrology… All the things. And it has millions of downloads.
I changed my niche quite a few times and people are still listening to my podcast. Even more than when it was just personal-growth-related.
I know of another podcast that has more than 300 episodes just about the Law of Attraction and manifestation.
This just goes to show that, yes, you can have a niche and stick to it. But you can also play around with your niche.
It’s just a personal preference.
Don’t be scared to start a podcast because you’re not sure what niche to pick. Talk about topics you’re excited about and your niche(s) are going to develop over time.
SAVE FOR LATER 🙂
3) you need to be tech-savvy to have a podcast
I started my YouTube channel in 2017. I started this blog in 2018.
And let me tell you, podcasting is hands down the easiest platform I ever used.
You record an episode – which you can do even on your phone.
You edit it. And there are many beginner-friendly audio editing websites and programs. You can just cut out parts you don’t like and that’s it.
The only thing that’s left to do is to upload the audio file to your podcast hosting provider.
I started my podcast in 2020, and from the very beginning I used Buzzsprout for my podcast hosting.
If you’re looking for a podcast hosting platform, I’d highly recommend Buzzsprout. I’ve been with them since the very beginning and can’t recommend them enough.
If you choose Buzzsprout following this link, it lets them know I sent you AND it gets you a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan.
Also, keep in mind that podcasting DOES take time and effort.
You need to be willing to work on it if you want to grow a successful podcast.
It takes time and effort to:
– come up with ideas for new episodes
– record podcast episodes
– edit and upload them
– write show notes
– promote your episodes on other platforms and on social media
But, as I’ve said, it’s easy to learn once you decide you want to start your own podcast.
Read next:
8 Lessons I’ve Learned From Podcasting For 2+ Years
4) podcasting takes too much time
This is one of the podcasting myths that used to make me feel stressed and overwhelmed.
I believed that really good podcast episodes should be 40+ minutes long.
‘’It’s just not possible to have a 10-minute long episode that’s actually valuable for the listener.’’
That was my limiting belief.
Until this happened.
I sat down to listen to a new episode of a podcast I followed. It was a 40-minute-long episode. I opened a Google document to take notes because I thought it was going to be a value-packed episode.
40 minutes later, my Google document was empty.
I didn’t get any value from that episode. Not even a motivation spark. Maybe that was because I already knew everything the podcast host was sharing or maybe it was because it just wasn’t interesting enough to jot down a few notes.
Then I listened to a 3-minute- long episode from one of my favorite podcasts.
The podcast host shared a journal prompt that stick with me for months. Even today. It was such a good episode! And it lasted only 3 minutes.
Mind you, a minute probably went for intro and outro, so it was 2 minutes of actual content.
That changed everything for me.
I learned that a 3-minute long episode can be much more valuable than a longer episode.
So here’s your permission slip.
You don’t have to spend a lot of time on your podcast. Even a 3-minute long episode can change everything for your listener.
Instead of asking yourself ‘’What can I add to this episode to make it longer?’’ ask yourself ‘’How can I help one person today?’’
Even if it’s a quick 3-minute episode, if you approach it with that mindset, I’m sure your audience will love it.
Until the next time,
Ivana
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
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